AF: The Pitt Panthers, in this event for the first time, played everyone tough at the top of the league and even had Syracuse beaten except for a miracle 3-pointer. Coach Jamie Dixon’s crew started the season 16-1 and is sure-fire bet for the NCAA tournament.

CL: The Maryland Terrapins, playing in their final ACC tournament, would love nothing more than to spoil the favorites’ hopes. They just beat No. 1 seed Virginia and could pull the same feat Friday. Maryland also lost by a basket to both Duke and Syracuse.

2. Team with most at stake for NCAA tournament:

AF: Clemson has 19 wins to its credit and an upset of Duke on its resume. To avoid being one of those ‘last team out’ hard-luck folks for the NCAAs, the Tigers need to reel off a couple of wins this weekend and make the selection committee take notice.

CL: Florida State is considered to be one of the first teams on the outside looking in for now. But a victory against Maryland could open up the chance for a signature win against Virginia in Friday’s quarterfinals.

3. Pick to win it and why:

AF: Duke. UNC and Syracuse will likely get upset, giving the Blue Devils their traditional “yellow brick road” to another tournament title — but seriously, Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood are really good.

CL: Duke. Coach K seems to always have his guys prepared for this event. They might have the most favorable quarterfinal matchup (Clemson), and the Blue Devils are the most talented team in the league.

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AF: The Pitt Panthers, in this event for the first time, played everyone tough at the top of the league and even had Syracuse beaten except for a miracle 3-pointer. Coach Jamie Dixon’s crew started the season 16-1 and is sure-fire bet for the NCAA tournament.

CL: The Maryland Terrapins, playing in their final ACC tournament, would love nothing more than to spoil the favorites’ hopes. They just beat No. 1 seed Virginia and could pull the same feat Friday. Maryland also lost by a basket to both Duke and Syracuse.

2. Team with most at stake for NCAA tournament:

AF: Clemson has 19 wins to its credit and an upset of Duke on its resume. To avoid being one of those ‘last team out’ hard-luck folks for the NCAAs, the Tigers need to reel off a couple of wins this weekend and make the selection committee take notice.

CL: Florida State is considered to be one of the first teams on the outside looking in for now. But a victory against Maryland could open up the chance for a signature win against Virginia in Friday’s quarterfinals.

3. Pick to win it and why:

AF: Duke. UNC and Syracuse will likely get upset, giving the Blue Devils their traditional “yellow brick road” to another tournament title — but seriously, Jabari Parker and Rodney Hood are really good.

CL: Duke. Coach K seems to always have his guys prepared for this event. They might have the most favorable quarterfinal matchup (Clemson), and the Blue Devils are the most talented team in the league.